Animals Mammals

Bongo

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Tragelaphus eurycerus

PROFILE:

These strikingly handsome, chestnut brown antelopes are found in the forest regions of their range. During the day bongos stay hidden in the vegetation of the forest; their coloring provides them with excellent camouflage for this type of habitat. One of the only times they leave the forest is at night, when they travel to salt licks to get minerals important for their diet.

TYPE OF ANIMAL:

Mammal, Cetartiodactyla (even-toed ungulate)

NATIVE TO:

central and west Africa

CONSERVATION STATUS:

At Serious Risk

DIET:

Herbivore

LIFE EXPECTANCY:

zoos - 21 years

SOCIAL STATUS:

Small family groups with a dominant male; groups can grow up to 50 individuals; males can also be solitary.